Hormuz Crisis Threatens Taiwan's Energy Security Amid LNG Shortages

Taiwan is facing a significant energy security challenge as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz directly impact its natural gas supply. The island nation is nearly entirely dependent on imported natural gas, with 99% of its needs met through international shipments. In 2025, approximately one-third of Taiwan's total LNG imports, amounting to 23.6 million tonnes, originated from the Gulf region. Key suppliers include Qatar, which provided almost 8 million tonnes, and the UAE, contributing an additional 200,000 tonnes. The recent crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with a reported shutdown of gas production in Qatar, has created an acute supply disruption. LNG tankers already loaded and destined for Taiwan are currently stranded within the Gulf, unable to transit the blocked waterway. This situation has resulted in a complete halt of LNG deliveries from Qatar and the UAE to Taiwan throughout April and May. Given that gas-fired power plants are a critical component of Taiwan's energy grid, these prolonged disruptions pose a direct threat to the island's electricity generation capacity and overall energy stability.